Video: Coronation street actors mourn Betty Driver - Telegraph Celebrity News Video Coronation street actors mourn Betty Driver Coronation Street stars from the past and present gather in Manchester to say farewell to their much-loved colleague Betty Driver, who died a week ago. 5:18PM BST 22 Oct 2011 The actress died on October 15 aged 91 after being in hospital for the previous six weeks. She had appeared in more than 2,800 episodes of Coronation Street in the role of Betty Turpin, and later Betty Williams after her screen marriage. She was the longest serving barmaid at the fictional Rovers Return. Over her 42 years in the soap, her trademark lunchtime hotpot became a famed dish. Hundreds of members of the public gathered outside St Ann's Church in Manchester city centre on Saturday to watch her funeral service on a specially erected big screen. Among those attending the service were Coronation Street stars Julie Goodyear, Bill Tarmey, William Roache, Alec Barraclough and Michael Le Vell.

Related Content Betty Driver dead: Coronation Street star dies aged 91 | Daily Mail Online comments As the Rovers Return's 'hotpot queen' and longest-serving barmaid Betty Turpin, she was involved in some of Coronation Street's most high-profile storylines, such as her discovery that her supposed nephew was actually her illegitimate son. Now cast members past and present have paid tribute to actress Betty Driver, who died yesterday aged 91, following 42 years in the ITV soap and a personal life almost as dramatic as that of her character. Mrs Driver, who was the third-longest-serving cast member and who vowed never to retire, died early yesterday, having been admitted to hospital six weeks ago, according to a Coronation Street spokesman.

'She'll be sadly missed': Coronation Street actress Betty Driver has died aged 91 Julie Goodyear, who played fellow barmaid Bet Lynch between 1966 and 2003, and who visited the actress in her final days, said: 'She was a totally professional actress, a true icon and legend, and a very dear friend.' Barmaids united: Julie Goodyear, who played Bet Lynch in the soap, has expressed her sadness after Betty's death Julie Goodyear, fellow barmaid Bet Lynch in the soap, said: 'It was an honour and a privilege to work with Betty Driver for 25 years. 'We laughed together, we cried together and never once had a cross word. She was a totally professional actress. A true icon and legend and a very dear friend.' Ms Goodyear said Driver was 'the very foundation of the Rovers Return' and added: 'She will be missed and remembered by millions.' Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts said: 'Betty was a wonderful actress and remarkable woman.

'It is humbling to think that the 42 years she spent on Coronation Street was just half of her extraordinary career but Coronation Street certainly benefited when she decided to join our show in 1969. 'For more than four decades she delighted many millions of Coronation Street fans with her fantastic performance in countless great stories both dramatic and comic. 'Betty was always a delight to work with and whilst there is a great sadness at her passing away Betty will be remembered by everyone on Coronation Street with tremendous admiration and affection.' Coronation Street's Helen Worth said: 'Our dearest Betty was loved by all she met, and will be sadly missed by all the cast and everyone working on the Street. The legacy she leaves is of laughter and love. The Rovers will not be the same without our adorable Betty.' Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully, added: 'Today is a very sad day. I am devastated we've lost our Betty. She was one of the funniest people I've ever met and definitely the kindest. I will miss her so much. Her star shone bright and long.

Sweet dreams, duck.' And William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, said: 'I loved Betty dearly, she was not only a colleague, she was a friend and godmother to my son James. She will be missed in the Street but she will be missed more so as a warm and loving person.' Back in the day: Betty (far right) in 1985 with fellow Coronation Street stars including Goodyear (far left) Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald, said: 'I have known Betty since I was 15 years old, we always had a very good relationship and I was fortunate to be one of her friends and I am going to miss her.' Her close friend Charles Orr said: 'A true legend has left us with enough love and memories to last a lifetime.' Behind the bar: Betty played the role of barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years Katherine Kelly, who plays Becky McDonald, said: 'Our Betty - the true and constant Queen of the Rovers.

'The most famous street in the kingdom will never be the same now you are gone, but those sparkling eyes and cheeky laugh will live with me forever.' Charlie Condou, Marcus Dent in the soap, wrote on Twitter: 'Very sad to hear our wonderful Betty Driver has passed away. A true Corrie legend. She will be missed.' Driver had originally auditioned for the role of Hilda Ogden in 1964 after a 36-year-career in radio, television and the stage. She was then persuaded to come out of retirement in 1969 to audition for the role of Betty instead. Her famous hot-pot, served at lunch-time in the Rovers, became an iconic dish which was subsequently offered as a ready meal in United Kingdom supermarkets. But Driver herself never tasted the dish as she did not eat meat. Last year, when the soap celebrated its 50th anniversary, Driver insisted she would never retire from the show. She said at the time: 'I love working. I can't retire, I won't retire - I never ever will.' The veteran actress was known for her cheery personality but told in an emotional interview last year of her loveless childhood.

Speaking on Desert Island Discs, she revealed that she and sister Freda had a 'sad little life'. Honoured: Veteran actress Betty Driver was awarded with an OBE at Buckingham Palace in 2000 Driver told presenter Kirsty Young: 'We never got a kiss. We never got a present, nothing. My mother was so strong that my dad just gave up. He was a sweet person but he just gave up. HOW TO MAKE BETTY'S HOTPOT Three quarters of a kilogram each of neck of lamb and potatoes A large onion 1. Brown the meat in a pan of very hot oil then set aside 2. Chop and fry the onion until it begins to brown 3. Sprinkle flour into the pan with the onions and stir to soak up the fat 4. Turn off the heat and add the water slowly while stirring vigorously to prevent lumps forming 5. Add a dash of Worcestershire Sauce, salt and pepper to taste 6. Mix the onion, meat and stock together and stir in a bay leaf 7. Alternate layers of meat and onion mix with thinly sliced potato in an ovenproof dish. The top layer should be potato. 8.

Cover and bake at 325 F for 2 hours 9. Remove cover and continue to bake until the top layer of potato browns 'She was so domineering there was nothing you could do about it. It was a very, very sad little life, me and my sister, you know.' Drive was already a household name in the 1940s as a leading vocalist with some of the top dance bands in the country. She was persuaded out of retirement in 1969 and since, as Betty Williams, became the longest-serving barmaid in the history of the Rovers Return. But before she became a full-time actress she sang with such bands as Henry Hall's and became a major recording artist in her own right. Like Vera Lynn, she entertained the troops during the Second World War with the Ensa organisation (Entertainment National Service Association). Driver was born on May 20, 1920, in Leicester, the elder of two daughters. She was pushed into a life on the boards by her star-struck mother, Nell. She joined the Terence Byron Repertory Company at the age of nine, and turned professional aged ten in a touring production of Mixed Bathing.

At 14 she landed her first film role and trod the London stage. She appeared in George Formby's Boots! Boots! but her song and dance scene was cut by Formby's domineering wife, Bessie, who also danced in the film and did not want to be upstaged by a child. While still in her teens she appeared in a number of films and was making her name as a vocalist. During the war she teamed up with band-leader Henry Hall and for seven years became a regular and popular feature on his top radio show Henry Hall's Guest Night. She also had her own show, A Date With Betty. By now she had become a major recording star with such hits as The Sailor With The Navy Blue Eyes, Macnamara's Band, Pick The Petals Of A Daisy, Jubilee Baby and September In The Rain. Soon she was to travel to Australia, where she performed in her own show, and her career took her to Cyprus, Malta and the Middle East. On her return home, she appeared in various Ealing comedies. Aged 32, Ms Driver married South African singer Wally Peterson.

They returned to South Africa, but Betty came back home after a few months and ended the marriage after seven years. In 1964, she auditioned for the role of Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street, but the producers wanted someone more slender. Two years later she was given the role of canteen manageress in the first of two Coronation Street spin-off series, Pardon the Expression. However, in one scene, in which she had to throw actor Arthur Lowe, she dislocated her hip and injured her back and decided to retire from showbusiness. She and her sister Freda and their father Frederick took over the Cock Hotel in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, and later the Devonshire Arms, Cheshire. True icon: Betty at the Coronation Street 50th Anniversary Ball at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester last December In 1969, one of her customers, Harry Kershaw, the Coronation Street producer, asked if she would be interested in appearing in the show. She agreed and started out as Betty Turpin becoming, after 'marriage', Betty Williams. Ms Driver was awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List of 2000.

Driver appeared in more than 2,800 episodes of Coronation Street and was made an MBE in the Millennium New Year's Honours list. Corrie stars mourn Betty Driver at funeral | News | Coronation Street | What's on TV Corrie stars mourn Betty Driver at funeral 0shares 0shares Hundreds of friends and colleagues, including members of the Coronation Street cast, joined members of Betty Driver’s family at the actress’s funeral on Saturday. Betty, who played barmaid Betty Williams (Turpin) in the soap for 42 years, died last Saturday aged 91 after six weeks in hospital. Former colleagues from her days as a big band singer also attended the service at St Ann’s Church in central Manchester, while members of the public came to watch the service which was shown on a big screen erected outside. Betty’s Corrie co-star Helen Worth was among those who paid tribute to Betty at the funeral. “She was the ultimate professional, knew everything there was to know about showbiz, including how to steal a scene without words – just a perfect look, timed to perfection, that lit up the screen,” she said.

Betty, who found fame as a singer before joining the soap, originally auditioned for the role of Hilda Ogden in the soap in 1964 but did not join the cast until five years later when she was offered the chance to play Betty. The character went on to become the longest-serving barmaid in the history of the Rovers Return, and was also renowned for her infamous lunchtime ‘hot pot’. The actress appeared in more than 2,800 episodes of the show and insisted at 2010’s 50th anniversary celebrations that she would never retire. “I love working,” she said. “I can’t retire, I never will.” After news of her death was announced her co-stars were quick to pay tribute to the actress. “We laughed together, we cried together and never once had a cross word. She was a totally professional actress. A true icon and legend, and a very dear friend,” said Julie Goodyear, who played Bet Lynch. William Roache – who plays Ken Barlow – also said, “I loved Betty dearly, she was not only a colleague, she was a friend and godmother to my son James.

She will be missed in the Street but she will be missed more so as a warm and loving person.” Corrie’s barmaid Betty dies at 91 | The Chronicle Herald Corrie’s barmaid Betty dies at 91 By ELISSA BARNARD Arts Reporter Published October 17, 2011 - 5:05pm Coronation Street actress Betty Driver, who starred in the British soap for more than 40 years, has died at age 91. According to the BBC, Driver died peacefully in hospital Saturday. Driver joined the ITV show in 1969 as barmaid Betty Turpin, later Williams after a screen marriage. She worked at Rovers Return pushing pints and creating pies, as well as her famous hot pot, a meat stew with lard that Driver never tasted in real life because she didn’t eat meat. Driver had been in show business for over 40 years, touring the United Kingdom as a singer by age 12 before she joined Coronation Street. She appeared in more than 2,800 episodes. Appointed a member of the Order of the British Empire in 1999, she told the BBC in January that she would never retire.

“I just love working and I will never retire — ever — they’ll have to shoot me to get rid of me. I just love people, you see, and I love the cast.” When she was 14, Driver was given the leading role in the revue, Mr. Tower of London, and was spotted by George Formby, who cast her in his film Boots! Boots! In 1940, she became a big band singer and toured extensively with the Entertainments National Service Association, appearing in shows for the troops. After the Second World War, she continued touring and appeared in her own BBC radio show, A Date with Betty. She was cast in a series called Pardon the Expression, a comedy spinoff from Coronation Street, before retiring and then appearing to Coronation Street. Corrie legend Betty has died – The Sun CORRIE legend Betty Driver has died at the age of 91. The soap star – famous for her hotpots – passed away peacefully in hospital in the early hours of this morning. She had played the role of Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams, formerly Turpin, in the soap for 42 years.

The sad news came after the actress was admitted to hospital six weeks ago. She had been poorly earlier this year and had to have treatment for a chest infection back in 2010. The ITV spokesman said: “She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.” Barbara Knox, Corrie’s Rita Sullivan, was first to pay tribute to the soap great. She said: “I have lost a very dear friend and the Street has lost a very great character. “She was a professional to her fingertips – she will be greatly missed.” Julie Goodyear, fellow barmaid Bet Lynch in the soap, said: “It was an honour and a privilege to work with Betty Driver for 25 years. “We laughed together, we cried together and never once had a cross word. “She was a totally professional actress. “A true icon and legend and a very dear friend. Ms Goodyear said Driver was “the very foundation of the Rovers Return” and added: “She will be missed and remembered by millions.” Driver had actually originally auditioned a different role in the soap back in 1964, but missed out on the role of Hilda Ogden.

After a 36-year-career in radio, television and the stage, she was in 1969 persuaded to come out of retirement for the role of Betty instead. Millions of fans knew her for her famous hotpot, but ironically Driver herself never tasted the dish as she did not eat meat. Incredibly she had appeared in 2,800 episodes of Coronation Street and was made an MBE in the Millennium New Year’s Honours list. Betty’s amazing success came after a hard childhood for her and her sister Freda. In an emotional interview in 2010 she said the pair had endured a “sad little life”. She said: “We never got a kiss. We never got a present, nothing. “My mother was so strong that my dad just gave up. He was a sweet person but he just gave up. “She was so domineering there was nothing you could do about it. It was a very, very sad little life, me and my sister, you know.” News of Betty’s passing sent shockwaves through the Corrie cast, with everyone giving kind words over her extraordinary life.

William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, said: “I loved Betty dearly, she was not only a colleague, she was a friend and godmother to my son James. “She will be missed in the Street but she will be missed more so as a warm and loving person.” Executive producer Kieran Roberts paid tribute to her massive contribution to the show. He said: “Betty was a wonderful actress and remarkable woman. “It is humbling to think that the 42 years she spent on Coronation Street was just half of her extraordinary career but Coronation Street certainly benefited when she decided to join our show in 1969. “For more than four decades she delighted many millions of Coronation Street fans with her fantastic performance in countless great stories both dramatic and comic. “Betty was always a delight to work with and whilst there is a great sadness at her passing away Betty will be remembered by everyone on Coronation Street with tremendous admiration and affection.” Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald, said he had grown up with her since he’d been a teenager. He said: “I have known Betty since I was 15 years old, we always had a very good relationship.

“I was fortunate to be one of her friends and I am going to miss her.” Katherine Kelly, who plays Becky McDonald, said: “Our Betty – the true and constant Queen of the Rovers. “The most famous street in the kingdom will never be the same now you are gone, but those sparkling eyes and cheeky laugh will live with me forever.” Charlie Condou, Marcus Dent in the soap, wrote on Twitter: “Very sad to hear our wonderful Betty Driver has passed away. A true Corrie legend. She will be missed.” Jennie McAlpine, who plays Fiz Stape, said: “Betty. What a lady. What a life. “Wonderful to have known her xx” And Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully, said: “Today is a very sad day. I am devastated. We’ve lost our Betty. “She was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met and definitely the kindest. “I will miss her so much. Her star shone bright and long. Sweet dreams, Duck.” Later after fans tweeted him about their favourite memories of her, he added a poignant message mentioning her beloved late sister. He said: “Thanks for sharing the love for our Betty.

“She is sat drinking a cuppa with Freda and having a long-overdue catch up.” Helen Flanagan, the show’s Rosie Webster, was also upset to hear of Betty’s death. She said: “Just heard that Betty Driver has died. Absolute legend. “She will be so missed x Thoughts are with Mark Hudson who was also very close x” And Sally Lindsay, who played Shelley Unwin for five years until 2006, gave her thoughts. She said: “Just cried with an old friend on the passing of the wonderful Betty Driver. “She taught me more about comedy timing than anyone I’ve ever met.” Close pal Charles Orr said: “A true legend has left us with enough love and memories to last a lifetime.” At the soap’s 50th anniversary last year she said she would never leave the programme. She added: “I love working.

I can’t retire, I won’t retire – I never ever will.” A fond farewell to Coronation Street's long-standing barmaid Betty Driver: 'As dependable as the cobbles’ - Telegraph A fond farewell to Coronation Street's long-standing barmaid Betty Driver: 'As dependable as the cobbles’ Betty Driver, who served her famous hotpot on Coronation Street for 42 years, died yesterday aged 91. Best barmaid: Betty Driver starred as Betty Turpin (latterly Betty Williams) in Coronation Street, until her death yesterday Photo: ITV/REX By Roger Lewis Comments Above my desk is a prized signed photo from “Betty Driver MBE” – she was obviously very proud of that medal. If only I could be put in charge of the Honours lists, however, it would have been Dame Betty. I adored Betty Driver, who as Betty Turpin (latterly Betty Williams) in Coronation Street, played, at 91, the world’s oldest barmaid.

When I told her that there was another 91-year-old also still in harness – the artist Ronald Searle, who has done the cover for my new book – she’d hoped to meet him at the launch party on Tuesday. Alas, this is now not to be. Betty Driver died yesterday morning, after suffering from a chest infection for some months. I loved the indomitable Northern women in Coronation Street – the world’s longest-running television soap opera about a cheerful Salford slum, that has been on air since December 1960, and which has always been at the top of the ratings – perhaps because they were almost like pantomime dames, exaggerated and camp: the vinegary and snobbish Annie Walker of Doris Speed; the caterwauling Hilda Ogden of Jean Alexander; the vampish Pat Phoenix as Elsie Tanner; the pneumatic Julie Goodyear as Bet Lynch. It was hard not to believe that these characters weren’t fellas underneath, like Les Dawson when he and Roy Barraclough dressed up as Blackpool landladies. Betty, though, was more maternal and comforting – “Give over, luvvie” was her way of defusing tension.

She’d tut-tut, let out long sighs (like growls) and fold her arms in a way that brooked no debate. Betty Driver described her character, which she played for 42 years, as being “as sturdy and dependable as the famous cobbles” – although she still had her fill of soap operatic predicaments. Betty had an illegitimate baby, was the victim of a mugging, did a stint as Alf Roberts’ lady mayoress when Audrey couldn’t be bothered, was accused of theft by Annie Walker, moved briefly to a twilight home in Wimbledon, and was accused of causing an outbreak of food poisoning – when a two-month-old hotpot was microwaved by Steve Macdonald and fed to Enid Crump of the Parson’s Arms. Ashley Peacock, before he went under the tram, had suggested that Betty’s hotpot could be made with ostrich meat instead of lamb – an outrage. Related Articles Sarah Beeny 'may sell mansion' 14 Oct 2011 In any case, Betty Driver herself was a vegetarian.

Betty’s on-screen son, incidentally, was played by Bill Kenwright, the theatrical impresario – who always sent the actress a bouquet on Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, with a card inscribed “To My Second Mum”. Betty Driver was born on May 20, 1920, in Leicester, weighing a bonny 12lbs. Her father was a policeman, and the family moved two years later to West Didsbury, Manchester. Little Betty was on stage professionally by the age of nine, her mother having decided that she could win talent contests for her singing – but the actress did not look back happily on those early days. “Birthdays and Christmases were ignored and I never saw a pay cheque. My pushy mother stuck to me like a wart and I was rarely out of her sight,” she said. A singer in the Gracie Fields tradition – loud, boisterous, formidable – Betty recorded songs with titles like “The Sailor with the Navy Blue Eyes”, “September in the Rain” and Gracie’s own theme tune, “Sing As We Go”.

In the 1938 film Penny Paradise, there Betty is singing “Stick Out Your Chin and Smile!” An encounter with George Formby was less successful. Beryl, Formby’s ghastly wife, thought Betty was too good and insisted on her role being cut. “I cried all the way back to Manchester,” remembered the actress, who was correct in her assessment that Formby “wasn’t the full shilling”. Betty’s first producer was Gracie Fields’ husband, who put her in West End musicals and plays. She appeared in Coventry with Julie Andrews. She was a regular with Henry Hall’s Guest Night at the Coliseum for seven years, and her own radio programme, A Date With Betty, was broadcast from a variety theatre in the East End. Her scriptwriter was Bob Monkhouse. During the war, Betty, who had a Spitfire named after her by the RAF, sang with dance bands and orchestras, touring Cyprus, Malta and the Middle East. She went to post-war Hamburg with Frankie Howerd, who took her to a transvestite bar. “I don’t know where they tuck everything,” she remarked.

During this period she met and married a singer called Wally Peterson, who hardly inspired confidence. “Wally said my act was corny and old-fashioned. I became very cowed and did what he said, as I had with my mother.” The couple emigrated to South Africa, but Betty soon returned on her own. She’d suffered a miscarriage, was unable to conceive, and had been devastated to be rejected for adoption. It always moved her to tears when children wrote to Coronation Street, asking if Betty Turpin could be their grandmother. Divorced from Wally, the actress lived the rest of her life with her sister. In 1964, Betty auditioned for the role of Hilda Ogden, “but the producers wanted someone more slender”. She did, however, land a part in the Coronation Street spin-off series, Pardon the Expression, which starred Arthur Lowe as Leonard Swindley. Betty, who played Mrs Edgeley, the canteen manageress, did not get on with the future Captain Mainwaring. “He never bought me a cup of tea, even though he accepted hundreds from me.” Worse, he insisted on stealing all the jokes.

“Just a moment, I think I should have that line,” he’d tell the cast. Betty was seriously injured in a scene where she had to get Arthur Lowe in a judo hold. Perhaps she tried to pitch him over her shoulder and into the orchestra pit for real? In any event, by now she was so fed up she retired from acting completely and went to run a pub in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire. “How would you like to pull pints on television?” asked a punter one day – Harry Kershaw, who was an executive producer for Coronation Street. Hence, the first appearance of Betty Turpin, in 1969. Her contract was to stipulate a minimum of 40 episodes a year and she was soon “the very foundation of the Rovers Return”. She always drove herself to the Granada studios, arriving promptly at 7.30am. It was only when her knees had to be replaced and Sir Ian McKellen made a fuss that she was given a chauffeur.

Dispensing Newton & Ridley’s Best Bitter and chopping up the potatoes and scrag-end for her Hotpot, Betty Driver’s Betty Turpin/Betty Williams was perhaps the most famous barmaid since Shakespeare’s Mistress Quickly. Roger Lewis’ new book 'What Am I Still Doing Here?’ is published by Coronet, priced £20 Betty Driver funeral: Sally Lindsay's tears as she joins Coronation Street stars | Daily Mail Online comments She won the nation’s affection as the longest-serving barmaid on Coronation Street, and yesterday colleagues past and present – including at least 15 who pulled pints with her in the Rovers Return – gathered to pay their respects at the funeral of soap legend Betty Driver. Julie Goodyear, who played landlady Bet Lynch, William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, and Bill Tarmey, who starred as Jack Duckworth, were among dozens of cast members who packed into St Ann’s Church in Manchester for the service Driver herself had planned in meticulous detail. Helen Worth, who plays Gail McIntyre, led a series of emotional tributes by making reference to the dish that became synonymous with Driver’s character, Betty Turpin.

'The world was a more comfortable place with Our Betty cooking a hotpot,' Worth said. Scroll down to watch the video Emotional: Sally Lindsay and Antony Cotton looked overcome with emotion as they left the church following Betty Driver's funeral today 'Our dearest Betty': Sally clutched an order of service as she waved off the coffin outside the church Tributes: Coronation Street stars including Julie Goodyear (in the black and pink hat) look at the floral tributes left for the late actress 'Corrie was her family. I know I speak for the whole cast, crew, production, everyone. The Rovers will not be the same without her. 'Her last words to me, when she was so ill and it was such an effort for her to speak, were, "I want you to be happy".' A specially-erected big screen was set up outside the church so fans could see the ceremony taking place, with many of them clutching photographs of Driver. She became the longest-serving barmaid in the history of the Rovers Return and her trademark lunchtime hot-pot became a famed dish.

Stars who arrived at the church to pay their respects to Driver included Michelle Keegan, who looked chic in her black dress and nude heels, and Katherine Kelly, who struggled to control her emotions as she made her way in for the funeral. Struggling: Sue Nicholls and William Roache appeared to be very moved by the service, which took place in Manchester Upset: Julie Goodyear wipes her eyes with a tissue as she leaves the church after the service Mourning: The pallbearers carry the coffin out of the church following the ceremony Bill Tarmey, Denise Welch, Alec Barraclough and Michael Le Vell were also seen arriving at the church. Goodyear, who played fellow barmaid Bet Lynch between 1966 and 2003, and who arrived today wearing a pink and black outfit, had said: 'She was a totally professional actress, a true icon and legend, and a very dear friend.

What a send off: Friends and fans of Betty Driver united today at the funeral of the Coronation Street star Final farewell: The coffin carrying the actress, who died aged 91, is carried in to the St Ann's Church in Manchester Sorely missed: Driver had insisted she would never retire from the ITV soap 'It was an honour and a privilege to work with Betty Driver for 25 years. 'We laughed together, we cried together and never once had a cross word. She was a totally professional actress. A true icon and legend and a very dear friend.' Ms Goodyear said Driver was 'the very foundation of the Rovers Return' and added: 'She will be missed and remembered by millions.' Speakers scheduled for the service were her closest friend and personal assistant Charles Orr, Coronation Street actress Helen Worth and theatre impresario Bill Kenwright who played her Betty's screen son Gordon. Worth, who plays Gail McIntyre in the soap, told the congregation: 'I think I speak for all the cast, crew, production, everyone...everyone...we will miss her so very much. The Rovers will not be the same without her. 'So how do we say goodbye to her?

In the way she wanted us to do with a smile, remembering her infectious laugh, her perfume which announced her arrival, her love of life and everyone in it and celebrate with joy the glorious 91 years of Betty Driver.' She said that Driver wanted her funeral to be on a Saturday so 'that all at Granada were to free to share her life, to remember her and to say goodbye to our dearest Betty'. Worth stood in to pay tribute in place of Barbara Knox (Rita Sullivan) who was unable to attend the service because of illness. 'The foundation of the Rover's Return': Julie Goodyear, who paid tribute to Driver with an emotional statement last week, waved as she arrived for the service Looking smart: Denise Welch and Helen Worth, who did a reading at the Manchester service Final farewell: Sally Lindsay and her costars watch and applaud as the coffin is driven away from the church She said it was 37 years ago since 'my dearest Betty' first called her 'her child' and she added it was a title she had kept happily ever since.

'I always knew a hug was guaranteed and her last words to me when she was so ill, and it was such an effort for her to speak, were "I want you to be happy". Giving so much right to the end. 'In fact, you know, Betty just wanted the whole world to be happy. She was the ultimate professional and knew everything there was to showbusiness, including stealing your scene without any words," she said, to laughter. Tributes: Coronation Street actresses Michelle Keegan and Sacha Parkinson, as well as former star Katherine Kelly, wore black as they arrived for the service Famous faces: Shobna Gulati, Samia Smith and Sacha Parkinson went for all-black outfits for the occasion 'A perfect look timed to perfection which lit up the screen. She never wanted it to end. Her place behind the bar at the Rovers was always kept open. 'Those at the Street were her family and a trip to the canteen with Betty always took a very long time,' she said. The uplifting service was presided over by the Rev Nigel Ashworth, of St Ann's, and by one of Driver's long-standing friends, the Rev Lister Tonge.

Suited and booted: Michael Le Vell and Chris Gascoyne were also seen at the church Veterans: William Tarmey and William Roache looked deep in thought as they were photographed Driver had planned the service to the last detail, choosing the music, the colour of the flowers and even the idea to screen the service outside for fans. Driver died on October 15 aged 91 after being in hospital for the previous six weeks. She appeared in more than 2,800 episodes of Coronation Street and was made an MBE in the Millennium New Year's Honours list. Last year, when the soap celebrated its 50th anniversary, she insisted she would never retire from the show. You will be remembered: Fans gathered to pay their respects as Driver's coffin was carried in to the church Fitting tribute: A marching band took to the streets of Manchester for the funeral She said at the time: 'I love working. I can't retire, I won't retire - I never, ever will.' Driver had originally auditioned for the role of Hilda Ogden in 1964 after a 36-year-career in radio, television and the stage.

She was then persuaded to come out of retirement in 1969 to audition for the role of Betty instead. Sombre: Coronation Street stars Alison King and Antony Cotton were among the mourners at the funeral Dressed to impress: Catherine Tyldesley looked stunning in her black dress, which she teamed with a feathered headpiece Turnout: Sarah Lancashire, Sue Nicholls and Debbie Rush put in an appearance At the time of her death, Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts said: 'Betty was a wonderful actress and remarkable woman. 'It is humbling to think that the 42 years she spent on Coronation Street was just half of her extraordinary career but Coronation Street certainly benefited when she decided to join our show in 1969. Paying their respects: Simon Gregson, Jimmi Harkishin and Ken Morley 'For more than four decades she delighted many millions of Coronation Street fans with her fantastic performance in countless great stories both dramatic and comic.

'Betty was always a delight to work with and whilst there is a great sadness at her passing away Betty will be remembered by everyone on Coronation Street with tremendous admiration and affection.' Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully, added: 'Today is a very sad day. I am devastated we've lost our Betty. She was one of the funniest people I've ever met and definitely the kindest. I will miss her so much. Her star shone bright and long. Sweet dreams, duck.' And William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, said: 'I loved Betty dearly, she was not only a colleague, she was a friend and godmother to my son James. She will be missed in the Street but she will be missed more so as a warm and loving person.' Coronation St's Betty Driver dies - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Coronation St's Betty Driver dies Updated October 17, 2011 09:58:06 Map: United Kingdom Betty Driver, a much-loved actress who starred for 42 years in Britain's longest-running television soap opera Coronation Street, died on Saturday at the age of 91.

Driver played Betty Turpin, a barmaid at the Rovers Return Inn and appeared in more than 2,800 episodes of the serial made in Manchester, which is set in a fictional neighbourhood in the north-west English city. The actress, who had been in hospital for six weeks, first began performing professionally aged eight and had vowed never to retire. "It is humbling to think that the 42 years she spent on Coronation Street was just half of her extraordinary career," said the show's executive producer, Kieran Roberts. "For more than four decades she delighted many millions of Coronation Street fans with her fantastic performance in countless great stories, both dramatic and comic." Driver was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1999. Her Coronation Street character was perhaps best known for making an excellent Lancashire hotpot, but Driver never actually tasted it because she was a vegetarian.

AFP First posted October 16, 2011 20:24:21 Top Stories Corrie favourite Betty Driver dies | Irish Examiner Corrie favourite Betty Driver dies Saturday, October 15, 2011 - 02:51 pm Coronation Street favourite Betty Driver has died at the age of 91. An ITV spokesman said she "died peacefully in hospital" in the early hours of this morning. She had played the role of Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams (Turpin) in the soap for 42 years. The actress had been in hospital for six weeks. She had also been unwell earlier in the year and was treated for a chest infection in 2010. The ITV spokesman said: "She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her." Barbara Knox, who plays Rita Sullivan in Coronation Street, said: "I have lost a very dear friend and the Street has lost a very great character, a professional to her fingertips - she will be greatly missed." Julie Goodyear, fellow barmaid Bet Lynch in the soap, said: "It was an honour and a privilege to work with Betty Driver for 25 years.

"We laughed together, we cried together and never once had a cross word. She was a totally professional actress. A true icon and legend and a very dear friend." Ms Goodyear said Driver was "the very foundation of the Rovers Return" and added: "She will be missed and remembered by millions." Driver had originally auditioned for the role of Hilda Ogden in 1964 after a 36-year-career in radio, television and the stage. She was then persuaded to come out of retirement in 1969 to audition for the role of Betty instead. Her character became known for her famous hotpot - but Driver herself never tasted the dish as she did not eat meat. Last year, when the soap celebrated its 50th anniversary, Driver insisted she would never retire from the show. She said at the time: "I love working. I can't retire, I won't retire - I never ever will." Driver appeared in more than 2,800 episodes of Coronation Street and was made an MBE in the Millennium New Year's Honours list. Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "Betty was a wonderful actress and remarkable woman.

"It is humbling to think that the 42 years she spent on Coronation Street was just half of her extraordinary career but Coronation Street certainly benefited when she decided to join our show in 1969. "For more than four decades she delighted many millions of Coronation Street fans with her fantastic performance in countless great stories both dramatic and comic. "Betty was always a delight to work with and whilst there is a great sadness at her passing away Betty will be remembered by everyone on Coronation Street with tremendous admiration and affection." Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald, said: "I have known Betty since I was 15 years old, we always had a very good relationship and I was fortunate to be one of her friends and I am going to miss her." Her close friend Charles Orr said: "A true legend has left us with enough love and memories to last a lifetime." Katherine Kelly, who plays Becky McDonald, said: "Our Betty - the true and constant Queen of the Rovers.

"The most famous street in the kingdom will never be the same now you are gone, but those sparkling eyes and cheeky laugh will live with me forever." Charlie Condou, Marcus Dent in the soap, wrote on Twitter: "Very sad to hear our wonderful Betty Driver has passed away. A true Corrie legend. She will be missed." The veteran actress was known for her cheery personality but told in an emotional interview last year of her loveless childhood. Speaking on Desert Island Discs, she revealed that she and sister Freda had a "sad little life". Driver told presenter Kirsty Young: "We never got a kiss. We never got a present, nothing. My mother was so strong that my dad just gave up. He was a sweet person but he just gave up. "She was so domineering there was nothing you could do about it. It was a very, very sad little life, me and my sister, you know." On a lighter note in the interview, she also admitted she would not be able to rustle up one of the hotpots that made her character so popular in Weatherfield. She told the Radio 4 show: "No, I'm dreadful - I'm a terrible cook.

I'm rubbish in the kitchen." Coronation Street's Helen Worth said: "Our dearest Betty was loved by all she met, and will be sadly missed by all the cast and everyone working on the Street. "The legacy she leaves is of laughter and love. "The Rovers will not be the same without our adorable Betty." Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully, said: "Today is a very sad day. "I am devastated we've lost our Betty. She was one of the funniest people I've ever met and definitely the kindest. "I will miss her so much. Her star shone bright and long. Sweet dreams, duck." William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in Coronation Street, said: "I loved Betty dearly, she was not only a colleague, she was a friend and godmother to my son James. She will be missed in the Street but she will be missed more so as a warm and loving person."

Question: Which actress appeared as a barmaid in over 2,800 episodes of 'Coronation Street' until her death in 2011?
Answer: Betty Driver